SOLUTION: Hello! My problem is this: You can travel 40 miles on a motocycle in the same time it takes to travel 15 miles on a bike. If the motocycle rate is 20 miles per hour faster than th

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: Hello! My problem is this: You can travel 40 miles on a motocycle in the same time it takes to travel 15 miles on a bike. If the motocycle rate is 20 miles per hour faster than th      Log On

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Question 83385: Hello! My problem is this:
You can travel 40 miles on a motocycle in the same time it takes to travel 15 miles on a bike. If the motocycle rate is 20 miles per hour faster than the bike, what is the average of each?
I know that t=d/r so
40/x+20 = 15/x
I am not sure how to proceed and I have to show my work. Thanks
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
t = times for each, which are equal
t = distance/rate
Let m = motorcycles rate
t+=+40%2Fm
t+=+15%2F%28m-20%29
40%2Fm+=+15%2F%28m-20%29
multiply both sides by m%2A%28m-20%29
40%2A%28m-20%29+=+15m
40m+-800+=+15m
subtract 15m from both sides
25m+-+800+=+0
25m+=+800
m+=+32 mph motorcycle speed
m-20+=+12 mph bikes speed
check
40%2Fm+=+15%2F%28m-20%29
40%2F32+=+15%2F12
5%2F4+=+5%2F4
OK